Before we start, let’s set the scene. A light snowfall earlier in the day has collected on tree branches, making them shimmer in the moonlight. The sky is dark – spare some twinkling stars, and the air has that crisp Trenton feel. You take the cover off the tub, watching the steam rise, and can’t wait to step in.
I think winter is my favourite season in the hot tub. The nights are long, dark, and cold here; tubbing is the perfect pick-me-up. On weekend mornings, it’s fun to spend some family time together, especially when it starts snowing, it always makes the kids and I laugh. At night when it’s so peaceful and quiet, it’s a romantic time to catch up with your partner. For these reasons and more which we’re about to discover, there’s nothing better than treating yourself to a hot tub in the winter.
BANISH WINTER SNIFFLES
We’ve all experienced annoying colds in the winter, some that seem to drag on and on. Enjoying some time in the hot tub will help your sinuses by inhaling that steam. Time in the tub is a lot more fun than sitting hunched over a steamer/humidifier with a towel on your head for 20 minutes. You can even add some eucalyptus aromatherapy; spa aromatherapy has become very popular, with quite the variety to choose from.
SOOTHING ACHES AND PAINS
For many, cold weather means increased joint pain and arthritis. But hot tubs have a natural healing power that provides a lot of relief in the winter. The hot water and jets are a great way to reduce inflammation and ease stiffness.
WASH AWAY MENTAL STRESS
A hot tub isn’t just for your physical aches and pains, it’s good for your soul too. Winter seems to be naturally quieter, the snow covering the trees and lawns looks peaceful. Taking some “me time” in this environment to defrost and feel good helps relieve the winter blues.
DO’S AND DON’TS FOR HOT-TUBBING IN THE WINTER
- DO WEAR A TOQUE: The winters here in Trenton can be cold, a toque not only keeps your head warm, it keeps your hair dry.
- DON’T CHANGE YOUR WATER: It’s usually recommended you change your hot tub water every 3-4 months. In the winter though, it’s best to plan to change right before and after the harsh weather. If the temperature is below minus 10 the risk of your pipes freezing is much greater than any benefits changing the water has.
- DO WEAR SANDALS: Slippers or crocs work as well, just something you can quickly slip in and out of to keep your feet warm on the way to and from, plus it stops you from tracking snow/dirt/debris into the water.
- DON’T USE SNOW IN YOUR TUB: This might sound silly, but it’s been done before, think about it… In the winter your outside taps are probably shut off and the hoses are safely tucked away. This has caused people to simply shovel snow in when it needs to be topped up. The problem is the water balance of snow is very different, you’ll constantly be adding chemicals in an attempt to balance the water, but there are so many impurities in snow that can eat at your sanitizer, causing consistently cloudy water.
- DO OPEN WATERFALL VALVES: While there is a risk for some plumbing lines freezing in the winter, small ones such as those for waterfalls don’t freeze. Opening all the jets and waterfalls when you’re done in the tub helps to protect the pipes, it also allows for new, heated water to travel through the pipes.